In response to a recent rash of suicides -- four over one six-month span -- the Clark County jail will produce an orientation video for inmates in identifying symptoms in themselves and others, the Columbian reports.

The video is just one part of a bigger plan to help keep inmates safe during a period that Clark County Sheriff's Commander Ric Bishop describes as "a traumatic experience for most people."

"Being arrested is traumatic," Bishop said. "You go into an intake area where your personal items have been taken. Then you go into an area with 20 other people. During that period, giving someone something to read isn't going to be very effective, especially if you are, say, impaired."

The video not only will emphasize the rules of the jail, but also will instruct inmates about what to do if someone is talking about self-harm. It will also teach inmates how to diagnose their own danger as they undergo the stressful experience of incarceration.

The jail has taken measures to suicide-proof the facility, such as replacing shower heads and protruding metal such as fire sprinklers.

Bishop says he is also creating an anonymous inmate mental health hotline.

-- The Oregonian

Man killed, 4 hurt on icy I-90 crash near Ellensburg

An 18-year-old man was killed and four other young adults were injured in a crash Sunday on I-90 in Kittitas County, 17 miles east of Ellensburg.

The unofficial announcement comes after pressure from local lawmakers who believe the downtown bar created too much violence and had a history with multiple violations of liquor laws.

Earlier this month, bar owner Basilio Gallo agreed to sell his liquor license, but some city assembly members were opposed, saying he should lose his license.

State prosecutors say the bar owners are awaiting a January trial on charges of evidence tampering, falsifying records and felony assault. Police say a former Rumrunner's bouncer and possibly other bouncers severely beat a customer last year.